A mental fitness exam will be done on a 19-year-old central Illinois man accused of trying to kill a 75-year-old man and attack children at the Morton Public Library.
Dustin Brown of Morton pleaded not guilty to charges last month including attempted murder. A prosecutor didn't object when Brown's attorney discussed potential plans to have Brown's mental health raised as a defense.
Prosecutors will tell a Tazewell County judge in two weeks whether Brown should be tried first for child pornography or attempted murder. He had been awaiting trial on charges of possessing child pornography.
Army veteran James Vernon was instructing 16 children in chess Oct. 13 when authorities say Brown entered the room with two knives. Authorities say Vernon subdued Brown, though Vernon was cut deeply on his hand.
